TeenRead Books

06/15/2010

The book I hated to love -- The Monstrumologist

I hate horror movies. I'll watch one with my husband once in a while to just to even out all of the times he watches musicals and romantic comedies with me. I feel the same way about horror books. No Stephen King for me!!

So the only reason I picked up the book "The Monstrumologist" was because it was a Printz Honor book. I want to keep up-to-date on any award winners in teen literature. I planned on just quickly scanning the 450 pages so I could say I had read it.

Well, before I even completed the first chapter I was hooked! I loved the 19th-century style of writing Will Henry uses to describe his life as the orphaned apprentice to a man who studies blood-curdling monsters. I was drawn into the suspense and excitement of the story. Needless to say, I hardly put the book down until I reached the last sentence. And then I was pleased to realize this is the first of a series. There will be more monstrous adventures to share with Will and Professor Warthrop.

Have you read this book? What did you think? Or are you like me -- unsure about your taste for monster stories. "The Monstrumologist" is unlike any other book I've ever read. I invite you to spend the summer with me discussing it.